Weight Weenies

Is there some bike frame that could be considered an upgrade from a Time VXRS Ulteam?
Please let me elaborate:

I don't race, but I like to ride a nice bike.
My power output is rather low (around 220W FTP, highest output is no more than 700W), so I don't need any super-stiff bike.
Moreover, I'm rather light (significantly below 60kg), which of course helps my power/weight ratio.
I ride almost exclusively hills as that's where my strength is.

For my purposes, it seems the best bike for me is a Time VXRS Ulteam (size L). However, that bike is more than 7 years old, and I'm wondering whether there is something "better" out there by now; where "better" is defined here as

- lighter (for increased uphill speed...)
- better ride quality (i.e., it nicely dampens vibrations, road bumps)
- maybe more aerodynamic -- while the shape of the VXRS tubes look nice, they probably aren't very aerodynamic
(that would of course only matter for me on the downhill parts)
- maybe other enhancements?
Last, but not least, I don't like the look of "compact" frames, i.e., I prefer a (mostly) horizontal top tube (a bit slope is ok as in the VXRS).

I doubt there is something noticeably "better" out there, but bikes like the Cannondale Evo made me think a bit about it. Has anyone "upgraded" from a VXRS who has similar riding preferences as I do and can explain their choice?

Face it, you're stuffed! Only reason I finally sold my VXRS was I want the option of running EPS internally, not to mention I work for a manufacturer and felt the need to actually ride what I sell.

It's only been a couple of weeks and I'm having regrets....

As for your questions about what is "better"
- lighter (for increased uphill speed...) - Not much without compromising the ride. VXRS was a sub kilo frame waaaay before many
- better ride quality (i.e., it nicely dampens vibrations, road bumps) Time's "Magic Carpet Ride" is a hard act to follow
- maybe more aerodynamic -- while the shape of the VXRS tubes look nice, they probably aren't very aerodynamic - Not racing so hardly that important
(that would of course only matter for me on the downhill parts)
- maybe other enhancements?
Last, but not least, I don't like the look of "compact" frames, i.e., I prefer a (mostly) horizontal top tube (a bit slope is ok as in the VXRS). Custom would allow you to indulge that preference.

Why not look at Crumpton or Parlee? Both have well documented track records, with nary a negative comment.

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I had a VXRS Ulteam and a VXR Proteam. I actually preferred the VXR but either way, getting another frame to upgrade the qualities you mentioned and especially the combination of them is virtually impossible I think, unless you go custom.

This sounds like an "indulge yourself" kind of question. Chances are most bikes in the same price bracket will be "good enough" but "better" will be largely subjective.

If you climb a lot then aero might not be that importantc -- a good tuck works out better. Plus good handling.

The new Addict might be promising. If you want something more exclusive, the RCA is probably a good candidate (even though I am not a Cervelo fan).

the only possible upgrade would be a pinarello prince. i rank prince #1 and time vxrs ulteam #2 in terms of pure enjoyment to ride.

Well if you want something with the same fastidious attention to detail, in house design, build and quality control; modern, yet classic looks and a ride quality that matches and then betters that wonderful Time ...

BMC Impec

I'm currently riding a VXRS Ulteam as well, and there are only a handful of bikes that I would consider replacing it one day:

Colnago C59
BMC SLR01/Impec
Look 695
Crumpton
Parlee Z-Zero
Baum (Ti)
Pegoretti

No idea if any of these bikes are "better", but they are bikes that I really, really like.

Wester-Ross wrote:Well if you want something with the same fastidious attention to detail, in house design, build and quality control; modern, yet classic looks and a ride quality that matches and then betters that wonderful Time ...

BMC Impec

If it existed......

The impec is for sale in serveral stores in Holland.

ultimobici wrote:

Wester-Ross wrote:Well if you want something with the same fastidious attention to detail, in house design, build and quality control; modern, yet classic looks and a ride quality that matches and then betters that wonderful Time ...

BMC Impec

If it existed......

I test rode one just last week. Mud Dock in Bristol has 4-5 builds in the shop.

Surely Time are due to upgrade/replace the VXRS soon? Anyone got any intel?

Why not get yourself some fancy Lightweight or Mavic CCU wheels to brighten the ride of the Ulteam? It is truly a great frameset and meets your needs now and into the future.

bikewithnoname wrote:Surely Time are due to upgrade/replace the VXRS soon? Anyone got any intel?

The VXRS hasn't been produced for several years now.

that's odd because it's on their 2013 website....

http://www.time-sport.com/cadres/zxrs_13.aspx

NOS maybe...

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That's the ZXRS!